In an unprecedented diplomatic event, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, November 10, 2025. This marked the first official visit by a Syrian head of state to the executive mansion.
A Landmark Meeting and Warm Welcome
The nearly two-hour Oval Office meeting signaled a potential thaw in historically frosty relations. President Trump later praised al-Sharaa, calling him a "very strong leader" and a "tough guy" from a "tough place." Trump expressed his personal rapport with the Syrian leader and a commitment to helping Syria become a successful nation, describing it as a crucial part of the Middle East.
Official photos released by the Syrian president's office depicted a cordial atmosphere. The U.S. delegation included prominent figures such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.
Policy Shifts and Sanctions Relief
A significant development accompanied the high-level talks. The U.S. State Department renewed a waiver on most American sanctions against Syria for an additional 180 days, extending a critical pause on economic restrictions.
President Trump also hinted at a major forthcoming announcement, suggesting that Syria is expected to join the international coalition to defeat ISIS. He emphasized collaboration with Israel and other regional partners to foster stability, stating that efforts to improve relations were "working amazingly."
The Complex Background of a Former Foe
The visit was particularly notable given President al-Sharaa's background. Ahmed al-Sharaa is a former al-Qaida member who was once designated a global terrorist by the United States. He later rose to lead the Syrian rebellion against the Assad regime and ultimately took control of the country in December.
Ahead of the official meeting, al-Sharaa also met with Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a former soldier who lost his legs in Afghanistan. Mast described their conversation as a dialogue between "two former soldiers and two former enemies." He quoted al-Sharaa as expressing a desire to "liberate from the past" and pursue a "noble pursuit for his people and his country and to be a great ally to the United States of America."
According to a readout from the Syrian side, the bilateral discussions focused on strengthening relations and addressing various regional and international issues of mutual interest. This landmark meeting potentially opens a new and complex chapter in U.S.-Syrian diplomacy.
